Page 65 of The Way We Collide

When I enter the living room, he’s standing with his back to me, and my resolve tries to falter when I see that ass.

Haddy’s head pops up, and she lets out a high-pitchedDada! There’s no doubt, she knows what it means now.

Hendrix turns, and our eyes meet briefly before he walks over to lift her out of my arms. “I made her formula.”

He’s quiet, more in control as well, and I follow his cue. “Do you still want to watch a movie?”

“Sure.” He shrugs, kissing the side of our daughter’s head, and she leans into him, putting her little arms around his neck.

Blinking, I watch her love him, thinkingif only…

“Driving Miss Daisy.” It pops out of my mouth, and his brow quirks. “It’s sweet and iconic…”And safe. I don’t say that part out loud. “Haddy loves it.”

“Sounds good.”

We go to the movie room, curling up in the chairs. Tonight we’re having Nashville hot chicken from a place Hendrix said one of his teammates wouldn’t shut up about. I’m taking the first shift with Haddy, but he’s not eating.

“You know, I could cook dinner for us sometime.” My voice is quiet. “We don’t have to order out every night.”

His blue eyes lift to mine, and he smiles. “I don’t want you to have to come home from work and do more work making us dinner.”

“I don’t have to do it every night, but it’s an option.”

I look down at Haddy drinking her bottle and sliding her fingers back and forth on Axel’s gills. It means she’s content.

“I’m sorry about what happened just now.” His voice is quiet, and his eyes are on his dinner. “I was a bit keyed up. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I broke your rules.”

My chest is tight, and I swallow the knot in my throat. “I shouldn’t have invaded your privacy. I apologize as well.”

Blue eyes blink up at me, and my breath stutters. We hold each others’ gaze for several heartbeats, and thinking about him naked in the shower, only wanting me, I’m not sure I am sorry.

He looks away, and I can finally breathe again. Lifting the small remote, I press play on the screen, and wistful clarinet music begins.

Haddy’s eyes are fixed on the images as she drinks her bottle. We watch Miss Daisy back her giant old car off the side of the driveway and her son hires Morgan Freeman to be her chauffeur.

Hendrix sets his tray to the side then reaches to take our daughter from my arms. “I need to get you a car.”

A short laugh rises in my throat. “Am I Miss Daisy? You’ll get me a car?”

“Or a car service if you don’t want to drive around the city.”

“You can do that?” I still can’t get over how easily he says these things.

“I make a lot of money, Pink.” His eyes level on mine. “A lot. And up till now, it’s just been me. So yes, I can do that.”

My lips twist, and I think about his offer. “I don’t mind driving.”

“Okay.” He shifts, moving Haddy to his side where she likesto cuddle. “I’ll hop online and find you a Rover. I want my girls to have the best.”

His girls.

My stomach tingles, and I pull my bottom lip between my teeth, doing my best to keep my eyes from drifting to him as the movie continues.

Haddy’sasleep as the credits roll, and I’m surprised to see he’s still awake. It’s a pretty quiet film, and I know his days are physically taxing.

Standing, I collect our plates, Haddy’s bottle.

“I have a maid service that comes once a month,” he says, standing as well with our sleeping baby in his arms. “Tomorrow’s the day. They’re really good, but if you’re uncomfortable with them in your room, just close your door.”

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